Grandstand



c. H. WETZEL h GRANDSTAND Filed April 16. 192a 4 Shets-Shee't 1 c. H. WETZEL 1,760,801

GRANDSTAND May 27, 1930.

Filed April 16. 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 #9 I ML Ll Li ti I Wk fi gas Inventor; awn/653M965 May 27; 1930. c. H. WETZEL GRANDSTAND Filed April '16, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 .May 27, 1930 c. H. WETZEL GRANDS TA ND Filed April 16, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet Patented May 27, 1930 UNITED STATES CHARLES H. wErzEL, or

WAYNE, PENNSYLVANIA GRANDSTAN D Application filed April 16,

of one unit are interchangeable with those of the other units.

Another object of the invention is to so form the individual parts of the grandstand 7 that the total number of differing parts is. re-

duced to a minimum.

The invention further resides in certain novel stuuctural details including the means of securing the parts of the units together, a novel self-adjustable pedestal foot for the rear base sections of the units, and a novel the framework.

In the attached drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a grandstand made in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 is a reduced plan view of the grandstand;

Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the grandstand illustrated in Fig. 2 omitting the rear understructure; I t

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary rear cle vation illustrating one of the structural units of which the grandstand is composed; Fig. 5 is a view in perspective of the-rear support element of one of the units;

Fig. 6 is a view in perspective of one of the side stringers which is supported at the rear upon the element shown in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a view in perspective of one of the tie rods utilized for connecting the lower ends of the rear support and the associated side stringers; 1

Fig. 8 is a detached perspective of one of the self-adjusting pedestal plates;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational and ingenious device for locking the seats to view. illustrating the interlocking juncture 1928. Serial No. 270,304.

between the rear support and oneof the side stringers;

Fig. 10 is a view of the fragment shown in Fig. 9 taken from the angle indicated by the line 1010, Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a section on the line 1l-11, Fig. 1, illustrating the self-adjusting pedestals for the rear support sections; I

Figs. 12 and 13 show in perspective and respectively the abutting ends oftwo of the seat 80 boards, and illustrate the means for interlocking these parts;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view showing the seat boards interlocked;

Fig.1.) is a section on the line 15-15, Fig 1, illustrating the device for locking the seat planks to the framework of the stand;

'Fig. 16 is a detached perspective-of one of the elements of the device for locking the seat planks to the frame, and

Fig. 17 is a view in perspective of the latch element. I

The structure forming the subject'of my invention is made up of a plurality of units, any desired number of which may be used to afford a grandstand of the desired capacity. Referring to the drawings, each of these units consists of a pair of inclined side piecesor stringers 1 whose forward ends rest upon the ground or floor surface and whose rear or elevated ends are supported upon a rectangular support member Q'mounted in a position, as illustrated in Fig.1, inclined at the top towards the forward edge of the stand structure and at the bottom connected with the lower or forward end-of each of the stringers 1 by means of a tie rod 3.

In order that these elements may be readily assembled and disassembled in the stand structure, the following means is provided.

It will be noted that the rear section 2 is provided at each side and at its upper end with an angular extension 4 and that each of the stringers is provided near its upper end with a socket 5 into which the extensions 4 fit, as well shown in Fig. 9, so that the stringers 1 are locked against transverse movement with respect to the supports 2. When the extension 4 occupies the socket piece 5, the head 5 of a rivet in the stringer 1 lies closely contiguous or in abutment with the rear edge of the said extension and prevents relative movement of the parts in that direction. It will also be noted that the side upright pieces 6 of the rear sections 2 are exing the weight of the stringers. The tie rods 3 are hooked at the ends and in each instance are adapted to be passed at one end through an opening 9 in the lower end of the stringer and at the opposite end through an opening 10 in an angle plate ll-securedto the bottom'of the rear section 2, one at each side. It will be noted, therefore, that in assembly the separable parts consisting of the stringersl, 1, the rear section 2 and the tie rods 3, 3 are assembled by simple interlocking means involving no use of bolts or other of the standard securing elements. As a consequence of this construction, assembly and disassembly are rendered a relatively easy matter. Furthermore, the structure in so far as described is extremely strong and stable.

Attention is directed to the pedestal device provided at the lower ends of the side pieces 6 of the rear section 2. This is illustrated in Figs. 1, 4 and 11. Reference has already been made to the flange plate 11secured to the lower ends of the side pieces 6 and constituting anchors for the rear ends of the tie rods 3. As illustrated, these plates 11 include a horizontal flange 12 projecting transversely, which flanges are provided with spaced apertures which loosely receive bolts 13,13 which project upwardly from pedestal plates 14, see Fig. 8. The plates 14 are so positioned by the retaining bolts 13 that they underlie the lower extremities of the side pieces 6 of the rear sections, thereby forming extended feet for. the latter particularly desirable when the stand is erected on ground surfaces to prevent the lower ends of the said side pieces entering the ground. As clearlyillustrated, the length of bolts 13 and the size of the apertures in the flange 12 of the plate 11 are such that the plate 14 is afforded a certain amount of free movement with respect to the lower ends of the side pieces 6 the plates regardless of their angular position.

I Each of the stringers 1 is provided with a plurality of upright seat-supporting pedestals 15, which pedestals consist in the present instance of a pair of uprights 16secured at the lower ends to the stringer. 1 and joined together at their upper ends by a transverse angular cross bar 17. Each pedestal also comprises an intermediate cross bar 18 also of angular form, both of these cross pieces 17 and 18 including a horizontally projecting flange as illustrated. These pedestals 15 are adapted to support seat planks 19 which rest upon the upper ends of the uprights 16 and upon the cross pieces 17, and extend from the pedestals 15 of one structural unit to those of another, as clearly illustrated. In order to lock these seat planks in position on the pedestals to prevent accidental displacement thereof and to further unite the units in such manner as to prevent-relative displacement thereof, I provide on the under sides of the said planks channel irons 20 adapted as shown in Fig. 15 to embrace the transverse cross bars 17 of the respective pedestals 15 intermediate the uprights 16 of the latter. Not only do these channel pieces 20 therefore function to prevent transverse displacement of the planks 19 on the pedestals, but also to unite the units together and effectively prevent transverse displacement of the forward ends of the individual stringers.

I have found it desirable further to provide means for locking the seat planks 19 to the supporting structure in such manner as to prevent accidental elevation. Referring to Figs. 15 to 17, inclusive, it will be noted that in some instances the channel irons 20 are provided in one depending flange with a V-shaped locking element 21, this element having extensions projecting through openings 22 in the channel 20 and being thereafter bent into the V-shape form as illustrated to prevent displacement. This V- shaped latch 21 is capable of rocking so that the inner flange 23 thereof, see Fig. 15, may occupy a position close against the under face of the channel 20 or the extended position, as shown in the drawings. The arrangement permits the channel to be pushed down over the cross bar 17, as illustrated, but the latch 21, assuming by gravity its no mal positionas shown in Fig. 15, prevents by engagement with the transverse flange of the angle piece 17 elevation of the seat plank 19 until the latch element 23 has been manually shifted. Ordinarily, it is only necessary to have these locks located at the adjacent ends of the seat planks.

To prevent the springing of the ends of the seat planks 19 between the supports, I provide an interlocking arrangement shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14. In this device, the endv of one device is provided with an apertured plate 24 which projects from the under side double tread planks 26 including transverse connecting bars 27 on the'under side. These treads are adapted for insertion between the pedestals 15 as shown in Fig. 1. At the forward edge, these treads are supported upon extensions of the intermediate transverse bars 118 of the pedestals 15 and at the rear edges upon the stringers 1. As shown in Flg. 1, the

depending flange of the angular transverse bars 27 extends downwardly alongside the stringers 1 whereby the tread members are prevented from longitudinal movement and are held in position. It will be noted that between the two lower pedestals 15, the stringers are provided with a channel element 28 extending upwardly, and the vflange of the tread bar 27 is adapted to fit between the sides of this channel in such manner as to further prevent transverse displacement of the stringers from their normal positions. The entire structure is thus interlocked in such manner as to give a structure of great strength and rigidity, capable of withstanding all strains to which it may normally be subjected.

Attention is directed to the fact that the stringers 1 are identical in construction and are interchangeable. Also the rear support sections 2 of the respective unitsare identical and also are interchangeable.

The structure provides a grandstand which may be readily assembled and disassembled and easily manufactured and which is capable of storage in relatively restricted spaces. The entire absence of special fastening means such as belts in the assembled structure makes for extreme simplicity and ease of assembly and disassembly.

I claim:

1. In a grandstand structure, the combination with a pair of rearwardly inclined stringers, of a forwardly inclined stringer-supporting section including side bars whose upper ends directly engage the under sides of said stringers, interlocking means on the said stringers and on the supporting section preventing transverse relative movements of the parts, and'tie rods connecting the forward lower ends of the stringers with the bottom of said supporting section.

2. A structural unit for grandstands com prising a pair of rearwardly inclined stringers, a forwardly inclined stringer-supporting section, a socket on each of said stringers adapted; to receive the upper ends of said sup- -the rear elevated ends of a porting section, tie rods connecting the lower forward ends of said stringers withthe bottom 01 s a1d supporting section, and means on said stringers for supporting seat planks.

3. A grandstand structure comprising rearwardly inclined stringers, stringer-supporting sections adapted to underlie and to support the rear elevated ends of the stringers, and substantially universally self-ad justable pedestal elements secured'to and adapted to underlie the lower. end of said supporting section.

4. A grandstand structure comprising rearwardly inclined stringers, said stringers having on one side a projecting part formmg a socket, stringer-supporting elements comprising upwardly extending members havlng at the top projecting parts adapted to fitrespectively in the sockets on said stringers and each comprising a shoulder underlying and supporting the associated stringer, means including said socket members for preventing transverse movement of the upper ends of said supports with respect to the stringers, and detachable means for connecting the bottoms of the stringers with the bottoms of said supports.

5. A grandstand structure comprising a plurality of units each comprising a pair of stringers identical in form and each stringer having a projecting element at one side forming a pocket between itself and the side face of the stringer, a strut member adapted to support the rear elevated endsof said stringers and comprising projecting parts adapted to rest inv said pockets, whereby the stringers are restrained against transwrse displacement upon the support, and detach- .abl'e elements for connecting the bottoms of the stringers with the bottom of said strut member.

6. grandstand structure comprising a plurality of rearwardly inclined stringers each having a projecting member forming a socket, a strut member adapted to support the rear elevated ends of a plurality of said stringers, said strut inclining forwardly and having projections adapted to fit in the said-stringer sockets and shoulders underlying said projections upon which the respective str ngers are adapted to rest, de-

tachable tie rods for. connecting the bottom of the strut member with the bottoms of the stringers, and seat members supported on said stringers and transversely uniting a plurality of said stringers.

7. A grandstand structure comprising a plurality of rearwardly inclined stringers each having a projecting member forming a socket, a strut member adapted to su port plurality 0 said stringers, sald strut inclining forwardly and having projections adapted to fit in the said stringer sockets and shoulders underlying said projections upon which the respective stringers are adapted to rest, detachable tie rods for connecting the bottom of the strut member with the bottoms of the stringers, seat members supported on said stringers and transversely uniting a plurality of said stringers, and means for interlocking said seat members with the stringers.

8. A grandstand structure comprising a supporting frame including substantially horizontal seat-supporting members and seats adapted to rest upon said members and having on the underside thereof channels adapted to embrace said horizontal members, and latches movably secured in said channels and ada ted to assume by gravity a position unto inoperative positions to permit removal of said seat members.

10. A grandstand structure comprising a supporting frame, means for sup orting a series of boards on said frame in en abutting arrangement, means for interlocking the boards with the frame, and means for interlocking the adjacent ends of said boards.

11. A grandstand structure comprising a plurality of rearwardly inclined stringers, seat members supported, by and extending transversely of said stringers, strut elements supporting the rear elevated ends of said stringers, and self-adjustable plates-underlying the bottom ends of said strut members and constituting a bearing for said struts. Y

12. A structural unit for grandstands comprising a pair of rearwardly inclined stringers, socket-forming elements on said stringers, a stringer-supporting section having parts adapted to fit within said sockets to interlock the upper end of the said section with the stringers and to prevent transverse displacement of the stringers. and elements connecting the lower ends of the stringers with the bottom of said supporting section.

13. A grandstand comprising a plurality of rearwardly inclined stringers having thereon means for supporting seat elements, a substantially rectangular stringer-supporting frame adapted to underlie the upper ends of each successive pair of stringers,

. means for slidably interlocking the stringers with their respective supporting frames, means for uniting the lower ends of the and seat elements mounted on the said seatsupporting means and extending across the space separating the aforesaid successive pairs of stringers. I

14. A grandstand comprising at least one pair of substantially arallel rearwardly inclined stringers, a umtary stringer-supporting frame adapted to underlie the rear elevated ends of said stringers, a flange projecting from a face of each of said stringers and having a rearwardy extending part spaced away from the said face, extensions at the top of said unitary support adapted respectively tolie within the sockets formed by said flanges, and detachable means for uniting the lower forward end of said stringers with the bottom of said stringer-supporting section.

15. A grandstand structure comprising a supporting frame including substantially horizontal supporting bars, fiat elongated members adapted to rest upon said bars, and at least one latch element on each of said members adapted to underlie said bars to prevent accidental elevation of said members, said elements being adjustable to positions permitting removal of said elongated members.

16. A grandstand structure comprising a supporting frame, means for supporting a series of planks on said frame in end to end arrangement, an apertured flange projecting from an end lower edge of one of said planks, and a hook element projecting from the under side of the immediately adjacent plank and adapted for insertion in the said -aperture, said book being insertable in said opening when the planks are relatively inclined to each other and preventing longitudinal separation of the ends of said planks when the latter are substantially parallel.

17. In a grandstand, the combination with a supporting frame, of a plurality of substantially parallel spaced supporting bars,

planks mounted on said supporting bars, and

means on said planks for engaging the under sides of said bars to prevent accidental elevation of the planks from the supporting bars.

18. In a grandstand, the combination with a plurality of inclined stringers, of a string-' er-supporting section including uprights, a flange adjacent the bottom of each of said uprights, a plate adapted to underlie the lower ends of each of said uprights, and a bolt loosely projecting through said flange and into said plate for retaining the plate in position beneath the said upright while permitting a substantially universal adjustment movement of the plate upon the ground surface.

.19. A structural unit for portable grandstands, which comprises a plurality of inclined stringers, a stringer-supporting section having parts slidably interlocking with said stringers, and means for preventing relative displacement of the lower ends of the stringers and of the supporting section.

20. A structural unit for portable grandstands, which comprises a plurality of inclined stringers, a stringer-supporting section, said section consisting of a plurality of members adapted in assembly to constitute respectively struts for the said stringers, and

means for slidably interlocking the upper ends of said strut members with the stringers.

21. A structural unit for portable grandstands, which comprises a plurality of inclined stringers, a stringer-supporting section consisting of a plurality of members adapted in assembly to constitute respectively struts for the said stringers, and cross braces including at least one diagonal extending between each adjacent pair of strut members, and means for slidably interlocking the upper, ends of said strut members with the stringers.

22. A structural unit for portable grandstands, which comprises a plurality of inclined stringers, a stringer-supporting section consisting of a plurality of members adapted in assembly to constitute respectively struts for the said stringers with cross braces including at least one diagonal extending between each adjacent air of strut members, and means for slidab y interlocking the upper portion of said section with the stringers. CHARLES H. WETZEL. 

